RV Buying Mistakes to Avoid: RV Dealers WILL HATE Us for This

[@whereyougoiwillgorving4492]

I have been an NRVIA Certified Inspector in Alabama for the last 4 years, I appreciate you educating people interested in getting into RVING about the importance of getting an independent certified inspection. If I had a dollar for everytime I've heard "The dealership said they were going to do a PDI" The truth is, in most cases the dealership is going to dust it off , throw some lipstick on and get it off the lot with a smile without blinking an eye. Once it's off the lot, those issues they didn't find or correct are now your issues.... I am doing more and more post purchase inspections than ever because buyers are having so many issues after the purchase and their RV has either been at a dealership for months on end or going back to the factory and they want an inspection so all the issues can be corrected. Do yourself a favor and get the inspection prior to purchase and don't give the dealership a dime until everything is fixed. If the dealership does not allow a 3rd party inspection, RUN !!!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you for your kindness and for what you do as an inspector by helping to keep others out on the road 😊Yes, we couldn't agree more with what you are saying about dealerships. It's an unfortunate circumstance that can be navigated with the tips that you provided! It is always best to be your own advocate. We appreciate you and your time in watching!

[@patrickgniech7873]

If you, ahhh, when you find any problems with an rv pre-purchase, do you re-inspect the rv for the client and if you do, do you charge for this or do you educate the buyer to look and make sure it was fixed properly?

[@whereyougoiwillgorving4492]

@@patrickgniech7873 I include one re-inspection for free. That may be different from inspector to Inspector. We are independent and set our own polices.

[@taraquo]

❤ thank you for what you do.

[@williamcarpenter1555]

😅thanks for alerting people

[@adriannurse1502]

We bought our RV used. We actually got a great salesman. He told us that all new RVs spend most of the first year in the shop correcting all the problems so buying used was better because someone else had already worked out all the bugs. He told us to be patient and he would find us the perfect motorhome. We knew we wanted a Class A diesel pusher for my wife. She is handicapped with a bad back and everyone said the diesel pushers had by far the best ride. I also learned something else from our salesman. Diesel pushers can have anywhere from four to ten air bags which makes a huge difference in the ride. We wound up with a 2006 42' Monaco Dynasty. It has all the high end features and has 10 air bags in the suspension. We have been super happy. We got a copy of the original order with the sale. By buying used we saved 75% off the original sale price. We have had the coach now for five years. Safe travels.

[@danswann323]

That is so correct.

[@MindFusion-ij1xl]

An air bag on the Super Cs seat AND on the axles may help. Also, If you have a certified inspector, they may be able to sift the problems from the gems Finally, There was a great Pandemic which altered supply lines for RV industry AND paid the best of best persons to stay home, forcing less capable to build motor homes if at all. Buy PRIOR TO 1-2020 (mfg date) or as late or far from Pandemic as possible- buy one currently on the manufacturing floor maybe- this way the giant disruption will not cause you misery. Best wishes.

[@pauljohnson7486]

Best advice you will ever hear, "Rent your Fun and Buy your Needs."

[@frostyjim2633]

If it flies, floats, or f$cks, rent it-don't buy it

[@jjones5424]

Way to go!!! And this is coming from a retired RV salesperson of 17 years, and I will add, I was camping with RV's 20 years before you guys were born. 😂 I wished that more people would have done their homework, it would have made my job much easier!

[@buzzward812]

As the former owner of 1 motorhome, 2 travel trailers, 5 regular 5th wheels and 2 toy haulers over the last 54 years I can say you are SPOT ON about these RV dealers. What shisters!!

[@GravityButterfly]

*shysters

[@robertwagner8596]

i would say youre an expert...

[@one007guy]

Never be afraid to walk away from a deal. I walked away from 2. Seattle RV show was great for looking. The “special prices” were the same as what the dealerships were advertising. Great video! 🙌

[@AndrewScrolledCrafts]

My wife and I have been camping/ RVing for 50+ years. Not tooting my own horn, but we know a lot. After watching this video, we realized there's always something to learn. Thanks for these videos, keep it up.

[@j.l.salayao8055]

Yup, i did it for 150 plus years and still learning on my 151st rv dweller anniversary.

[@vaasnaad]

I did a lot of research before buying to learn all the design problems and common issues with RV and RV Sales knowing that I was almost certainly going to buy a used rig. I found a vintage Nomad for $300 in horrible condition but with a solid trailer and intact tin and figured worst case scenario I'd have to raze it to the ground and build a new RV, then wrap it in that vintage tin. As an engineer, that was more an opportunity than a problem and exactly what I had to do; from the bare metal up. I now have a rig with active sonar, a face recognition security setup, and computer controlled zone heating all wrapped in a double moisture barrier and R30 insulation ceiling to floor. It was a lot of work but engineering and tinkering is my passion, so it has worked out really well! You guys were instrumental in the construction with all your tips!

[@007nadineL]

Question for you, if airplanes don't bother with a vapor barrier why do Tin Can RVs do it

[@omarraymundo7475]

I too would like the answer to his question please !!!🙏

[@MSG3726]

“You have to be an advocate for yourself.” That was your best line.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much! We appreciate your kindness and your support for watching our videos 😃 Stay safe - Kyle and Renee

[@itsrvlifenowornever6827]

Totally agree! I fortunately have a husband who can fix ANYTHING! We have RV ed on and off for over 30 years. When we went full time , thank goodness we knew what to look for. If you don’t…most even salespeople have never owned an rv so you need to be prepared to research everything. When we purchased our 5th wheel that we lived full time in…we saw it at an RV show and got a written quote then when we returned home we went to our local shop. They were 10,000 more, but did come down because we were going to get the one from the RV show. Our local dealership price matched to get our business. It worked out for us.

[@blueoxontherun9188]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! YOU nailed every point! As RV inspectors, we've seen this happen to our customers over and over! Thanks for making this video and getting the word out to every RVer...its an emotional buy, and the salesperson can smell the excitement a mile away. Thank you!

[@AksamitMotorsports]

As everyone else has said - thank you for the insights. Love the videos. My need is a bit different than most here, but it all still applies. The biggest thing I have learned from buying used is when advertised as "everything works as it should" make them prove it. I just bought a Toterhome and advertised as "everything works as it should" and went to turn on the stove top and it didn't work. He was perplexed and then I opened the cabinet below and quickly discovered it wasn't hooked to any gas. No big deal as the rest of the unit was what I wanted and hooked up a small propane tank. Just want an option to cook inside if it is raining. He did have it powered up for heat and air to demonstrate. If they are not willing to show it works, consider it non-functional.

[@commonsense5741]

RV life is where dreams and reality collide.

[@reelsouthernadventures9933]

Broken frames broken frames broken frames need I say more

[@californiahikingadventures2249]

I’ve been researching rvs to buy for a year . Planning on full time in a few years for retirement and you guys were my first rver follow. Everything you’ve said here is what I’ve learned both online and in person . Won’t be buying late 2024 but it’s been a great education. You two have given great content for how to live the rv full timer life. THANK YOU. But … I used your example of why we don’t need a washer /dryer when my wife insisted. Now you guys installed one and I’m gonna have to buy for and plan for one too 🤣🤣🤣

[@madbarr]

😂

[@DrRodder_Jim]

2009 house crisis, found my RV on a used car lot (suspect repossession). MSRP $50k new, selling around $40k new. This one 3 yrs old and bought for $16.5k plus fees, title & taxes. Needed couple repairs and missing spare tire, WD, etc. Towed from Phoenix, AZ to SE Wisc home. Still have today. All major equip. Worked. Shop around tip you gave is true along with distance.

[@pennyluck9696]

Buying an RV is almost identical to buying a car or truck - do your research, know what you want, research and know the value of your trade in. As far as RV salespeople not being overly familiar with RV's, well lots of used car dealers sell trucks and have never driven one...

[@TheRoamingGomes]

We have ya beat! Our first RV salesman had also transferred from car sales to RV sales. It was the fourth day of his FIRST WEEK selling RV's! He also had never owned nor planned on owning an RV. You're exactly right, they are SALES people and they're there JUST to make a sale.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Oh my goodness, this must be such a common thing! Yes, it is unfortunate, but definitely a true reality. Thank you for your wonderful support! - Kyle and Renee

[@VincentDigiamoDigiamo]

Used RVs for sale toy haulers

[@ang3r3dv3t]

There are a few rv dealers out there that aren't scummy. Camping World, Bish's, and a few others of those super-sized ones...we hear horror stories from people who were straight lied to from salesman there. Family owed businesses with decades of customer service. RV Outfitter compared to RV Salesperson. Way different.

[@MindFusion-ij1xl]

I told the salesperson in advance (a current transation yet to be completed) I was able, experienced, hiring an inspector, and maybe I should have just been more like a lion, sneaking up, and striking without warning. What do you think?

[@trx350]

One thing I highly recommend when you buy your RV from the dealer is take tons of pictures of the outside, the slides and the roof. Also make sure the location is on for the pictures. I was trying to get a trade in value from camping world and the appraiser stated there was some issues that I had to take care of through warranty before they could trade it in. They said I damaged things and when I showed him the pictures of the rv at delivery the same exact issues were shown in the picture. His attitude changed quick. No RV dealer is in it for you.

[@MindFusion-ij1xl]

Gold. I will do that.

[@Champion._.]

Hello. My name is Brandi. I work at General RV in Ocala Florida. I want to let you know about our keep you camping program. Even if you don’t buy your tv from us you can be a part of the program. It was set up for people so they can have access to same day appointments and we offer electric hook up and a place to stay the night if we don’t have a part that day. I agree most sales people don’t care after the sale. I did come over from car sales and I’m watching your videos to learn about RV life. You guys are awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@edbak8452]

Run!!!!!!!!

[@dustingeier4753]

Tell them how you want a credit card on file before you will even begin negotiating a price

[@mgysgtk8835]

Bought 2022. I now realize that RV Dealers make used car Dealers look like Saints. I don’t think i will ever buy again. The headaches outweigh the fun. Great advice.

[@alhahn1959]

Our dealer allowed us to spend a night, on their lot, hooked to water, and electric. They did this for the 2 we have bought there. The few issues were addressed immediately before we ever hooked up. Sales people are not techs, use them as your negotiator. They do train thru manufacturer web training, saw the programs.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Very cool they let you do that

[@BillUtah]

I’ve heard all the excuses from our stealership. Now they have shutdown their “service” from October till mid January. I’m sure they will extend the year warranty buy those 3 months… *IF* I buy another rig, it will be based on what I want and price only since the stealership doesn’t care about their customers. Great content guys! 👏👏

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thanks for watching!

[@007nadineL]

Are you sure they are shut down for 3 months

[@flyBri831]

Bless you both for what you do. People need to be educated and you both CERTAINLY HELP!!! YOU BOTH ARE GOOD HUMAN BEINGS ❤️

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

I agree, we went to a RV show and selected we wanted and called other dealers in the area that carry that model to see if we could get a better deal. Never feel pressure to buy it on the spot, take your time.

[@lovestodive1879]

Good info. We researched for an entire year before we bought. We watched a lot of UTube, we went to a lot of shows, we went to at least 6 different dealers in two states. We first narrowed down the type - Class A, Class C, Class B, Travel trailor or Fifth Wheel. Then after that we narrowed down floor plan. After we decided (Fifth Wheel) we researched trucks. We did spreadsheets. We visited at least 5 truck dealers, both local, semi-local and even out of state. We saved so we could pay cash for both the truck and the RV. We debated new vs used (we went new on both the truck (dually) and the RV). After we narrowed down everything, we researched dealers, we read tons of reviews, we visited them, we asked questions. We would just pop into the dealership for the RVs and walk around without one of them (if they didn't let us do that, off the list they came) so we could see how they actually worked. Then we started researching how much we should be paying. We joined a lot of forums for the brand(s) we were looking at. We knew the top price we were willing to pay for the truck and the RV. Period. We decided we weren't going over even if we could not get what we wanted, we weren't living in this RV so we didn't have to have it. We knew we would walk away. We watched the dealer of the RV we ended up with test others for a week before they left the lot (surprise visits) and knew they actually did with ours because they called us a week before and told us they were starting and halfway through called us with a problem which pushed our purchase date out. It was a lot of work but well worth it in the end.

[@gregoryfaith4303]

Buying mine was an easy process....Owning it... Now that is where the nightmare begins....I now own a 2006 "driveway paper weight"!

[@MichelleWilson-p2i]

We have been waiting since AUGUST 2023 to get our RV back from the dealership! It's been a nightmare!!!! The living room slide stopped working on our first shakedown trip. We took it back to the dealership. 😢 warranty work. Our rv basically just sat there until we visited every week in person. Terrible service. Terrible. We are still waiting!! Love you guys. Thank you for all the. Videos. We watch every Thursday

[@mikeweis5925]

Really great advice on negotiating. It’s so important to study study study and be educated on the process.

[@jjsantos3292]

Awesome video! Well said! It’s amazing to me, dealer surveys must mean nothing. We gave our dealer a horrible review and I figured Grand Design would reach out to us, seems like they didn’t care either. We gave up bringing our rig to the dealer and have been fixing what was wrong with ours from brand new.

[@georgewilson5303]

Hey there my name is George. I just subscribed to your channel. I like what you are doing. I have done a lot of camping. Always tent. I'm now 70 and want to get off the ground. We have been doing a lot of looking and learning about rv. I know about dealers. Had a lot of experience with. I also know when you leave the lot they no longer want anything to do with you. Sa far as towering. I did so much research on that one. They will not tell me what I can and can't tow. We have been looking and doing research for 1 year so far. Now we know what we want and about how much we would need to pay. For the hard part is trying to find the best manufacturer who is the most reliable. But all the help you give makes is the best thing. I will share you channel as often as I can. Thanks for the hard work it takes to make videos Now you can do me a favor. Stay safe and happy.

[@101handbags101]

Thank you so much for this video, it couldn’t have come out at a better time for us. My husband and are in the market for our first RV ever. Yesterday we went and looked at TTs and I swear, we had the exact same conversation with the sales guy right down to “how well does this rig operate in the cold?” We’re going to an RV show at the end of the month and after watching your video we feel well equipped to do our homework and get the best deal possible! Thanks again.

[@walterrafolski5662]

An rv inspector is a must, never mind the cost it will save you in the long run. The first one I bought no inspection and it was a nightmare I worked on that sucker for five years before selling it for what I considered a good deal for me and the buyer. It was fixed and I should have kept it, but things changed now it’s time to go to Tampa and pick another one. Great video very informative!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

You are so right on the inspector!

[@lauralarita2896]

So true, the Hanks are telling the truth our RV had outside damage to the doors so we took it to the RV dealership where it sat for three months on empty promises of getting it fixed. My husband was so upset that he went to the RV dealership drove off with our camper off the lot without it being fixed. We took it to an independent small RV mechanic where they had it fixed with in three weeks. The RV dealership was Camper World in Manteca, California. Terrible service terrible. Camper world excuse for not fixing our camper was first they couldn’t find the parts then second was they did not have adequate staffing, never once was this told to us until we came and took our RV home without repairs from them. we had left multiple messages never once did someone answer the phone and never once did someone get back to us in three months that is terrible terrible service. ❤The La Rita’s

[@tm8747]

making a deal on a trailer for me , is like buying a new truck! why? walking in and out of the dealers office makes them VERY NERVOUS till the last time your ready to purchase the trailer, this happen in a large dealer in riverside ,ca 2019 looking at a MPG trailer, 25 footer, it started out at 29,000.00 by the time we got to sign on the fine line , it sold for 19,000.00 out the door, tax and license included, with 3 campsite free bees, and and extended warranty for 5 yrs for half price, !parts and labor from the manufactures coverage,! in the end we paid cash. they were looking for use to finance it , but just before signing the final note , we changed our minds and paid cash, MONEY TALKS AND B/S WALKS!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Love it! 😊 That's awesome that ya'll pay in cash...cash is KING! 👑

[@snekerone]

I went to camping world in hopes to buy an RV and they literally tried to get around $50,000 out of me so I went home and found the same RV on marketplace for about $13,000 same year same model everything. I thank God I didn’t make that mistake.

[@edbak8452]

Your first mistake was saying you went to Camping World!

[@sirwilliam7988]

Camping world is The worst rv dealership in the camping industry. Owned my Marcus Lemonis. I wouldn’t buy a roll of toilet paper from them.

[@beckysue4746]

Camping world is the worst. They don’t stand behind anything.

[@shaggywagshaggywag]

Agree, they are simply the worst!

[@patriotone755]

Unless you are super wealthy you might as well think of buying an RV is like setting fire to the cash you paid for it. If you are making payments you are in debt and now a slave to the lender of something that is going to depreciate very rapidly. RV sales people don’t care about your debt, you should. Trust me when I say you will look back and wish you had saved money and invested it in a home. You’re still young and still have time to recover. You have to invest in yourselves first. Living in debt paying for a depreciating thing is no pathway to wealth. Debt is a way to keep middle class from ever being wealthy. Think about it.

[@MindFusion-ij1xl]

I must say, when seeing KZbin videos, there is usually a lack of accuracy, validity, usefulness, when the scene contains attractive persons (straight up serious here). These people really provided info from a top-down, real world, perspective and I wish to extend my appreciation by pointing out their alacrity, clarity, and depth of observations.

[@patriotmama]

We are so lucky where we are. Small town not far from the State Capitol here in IL. We had a 2020 Jayco toy hauler. We don't ride the motorcycle that much anymore, so wanted to upgrade to a 5th wheel w/no garage. Our local RV dealership had a 2023 Dutchman Astoria that we had looked at in early August. The salesman told us to bring our toy hauler in and they would look at it and let us know what they could give us on trade. He was also a 5th wheel owner who camped a lot with his family. His kids go to school with our grandkids. So we brought the toy hauler in in early Sept. They gave us a great trade in value. Now, for first time RV buyers. If you find a reputable RV dealer you are comfortable with, just know that what the sticker price is and what you pay is not the same. The toy hauler was our first RV and the sticker was $58,000. We bought it in early fall and paid $38,000 for it. With what they gave us on the trade in and what the actual sale price is, we didn't have a huge difference that we had to pay . We are retired so we had the money to pay cash for the 5th wheel. Being in the fall is the best time for sure. We got a terrific deal on our RV. It is a LOT bigger because we can actually live in the entire thing! Big bathroom, two sinks, big enough shower that my 6 ft 2 hubby can shower without banging on the walls. King size bed w/big bedroom and closet. Island, fireplace/heater, double doors ref ridge and big stove/oven. One sofa pulls out into a queen size bed and two recliners. Two TV's, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. Much storage throughout. We took it on a shakedown trip and fell in LOVE. Best purchase we made and can't wait to get out on the road when the weather warms. Do your homework for sure and find the best deal you can. I am lucky in that my hubby was in construction at one point, also HVAC and we already knew how RV's work. We couldn't be happier and if something goes wrong, the dealer is local and we one of the mechanics is our neighbor. We did buy a new insurance policy so when we are out on the road, we have free towing to a dealer and warranted parts are covered. You guys did a great job with info on this video!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thanks! And to find an RV shower for that height is a win!

[@philipgerry5228]

You can probably also sell at the dealership on consignment.

[@angelleangelique]

I haven’t purchased an rv yet but the first time we went to a lot, the dealer told us our old Tahoe could carry the travel trailer we were looking at and I was pretty excited. Thank God we didn’t get it because our old Tahoe definitely would not have been able to handle it especially with all of our stuff added in

[@barkhorn302]

You two are the “Savant’s” of RV insight and knowledge share! Thank-you both as your video’s have prepared us to purchase our first RV Travel Trailer which we will hopefully complete in Jan or Feb. Your spot on RV showsas as we had went to a RV show last weekend and the “high pressure and less than ethical sales tactics were sadly evident. We share your video’s to friends, colleagues and anyone getting into the RV experience. Happy New Year to you both and wishing you a health, prosperous and of course adventurous 2024! 5:51

[@johnaz1018]

Be careful and do your research. Don’t buy from blue compass , and camping world seems to have their issues . We bought from blue compass. They did not do what was paid for so my bad for not going back but hopefully I can warn others

[@robb8773]

So true regarding Sales people, I have dealt with car, motorcycle and RV and most don't know crap, they just want to sell you something, anything!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Yes, it is an unfortunate reality! Thank you for your support, and for taking the time to watch our videos 🙂

[@marhlfld1]

Thank you for all your info. I knew most of the info but learned some new tidbits. I've been living in a 2019 30' travel trailer for 2 years now. I hate it. They are not built for full time living. I only did it to save money on renting an apartment while going to school. I didn't expect to be in it this long, but circumstances made me stay longer. Winter in these things is horrible. You have to put skirting around it for winter. The screens on the doors cannot handle daily in and out, no matter how careful you are. The AC units can't handle high summer heat, they fail regularly. You will have expensive repairs or replacement. Heating with propane is horrible and expensive. These RVs are poorly insulated, walls are like 2 inches thick. The refrigerators will fail at a drop of a hat. They have to be defrosted every 2-3 mos. The propane regulator failed. Dumping the tanks is a pain. Be careful you use cheap single ply paper so it will dissolve quickly. If you use the gas stove, it will heat up the RV quickly, and my smoke alarm would go off just from the heat. However, with all that said, it's a bit better than living in a tent. Once I get in a house or apartment, I will sell this stupid thing and not shed a tear. I doubt I will even be able to sell it for what I owe. These things are not worth the money, unless you have lot of disposable income.

[@positivibeespreadingpositi6439]

😮❤🙏❤ thank you for sharing your experience I am looking to take my show on the road and going nuts over which RV would or would not be good for me. Best wishes to you stay positive!

[@pvdogs2]

I do something similar when purchasing a new car. At the end of the season when they start getting ready for delivery of the next years cars, I send an e-mail to 10 or 12 dealerships in our area. I provide them with everything I want, model, colour, extras etc and ask them what their best offer is. I also reveal that I am sending the e-mail to other dealerships. I usually get an offer from 3 or 4. I then book an appointment with them and try to get a better price. The others don't respond or they ask us to book an appointment with their sales team. I usually end up with the car I want for a good price.

[@ntomkins93]

Could not agree more with you ! My family bought our first camper in October of last year and we had to tweak a few issues out. Good thing they were nothing major, but it does happen with any camper. This video is very good for explaining these things

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Glad it was taken care of!

[@DapperRV]

There was alot of information in that video and it obviously hits differently for me as I'm a bit more "behind the curtain " being an RV Consultant myself. There are many nuanced items to weigh with a purchase and my main concern with anyone shopping is to help them navigate the inherent fears between their want of being out traveling and all the things that might happen. I'm also one of the few in sales that actually owns a camper too! We work pretty much every weekend so that makes it difficult to get out there ourselves.

[@DaveLea-n6n]

I bought a used RV class c motorhome, I had been a mechanic for a long time so I was able to check out the mechanics of the motorhome. And fortunately I have a friend that has been rving. For 20 years that showed me what to look for, like AC, and heating and black and grey tanks.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Sounds like you're the perfect man for the job! That's really cool that you also have a friend to rely on for some quality insight as well 😃 Thank you for your wonderful support in watching!

[@patriciamckean4186]

We bought our travel trailer in February. The new units were coming in March. It was a dealership that has a huge indoor building. Our unit was a display model. Have things gone wrong, you know they have. Watching rvers has helped our knowledge. Thanks Hanks.

[@edbak8452]

Never buy at a show!!!!!! They will tell you they'll lock it up for you, and as soon as you leave they open it up and let 30,000 people walk thru it . I know this to be a fact. I sold RV'S for years. Make a small mark somewhere on the camper and insist that you want a new one and not the one at the show. You'll catch them lying to you more then 90% of the time.😅😅😅😅

[@jayshetlin7592]

I’m diving into your channel pre purchase of an RV. You guys rock! Adorable, cleaver, easy to watch, super good info!

[@Halfwheelhell]

the story of our first RV purchase: My wife had a dealership 1200 miles away on the phone. I had the local dealer on the phone at the same time. The dealer 1200 miles away knew had to incent us to make the drive, and we saved almost $5k, which was about 20% off of local cost. The local guy thought we would work with him. We didn't. it was s fun first adventure! This brings up a great point, buying closer to the manufacturer location can also save money. Have a nice trip to northern central Indiana!

[@carolannmiller7911]

Excellent video! You're so honest and thoroughly explained what steps to take. thank you.

[@tomballard4794]

When we did our walk through we didn't try the furnace, big mistake. On our shake down trip it got cold at night and we found out the furnace was a no go. Turned out the furnace was wired wrong but the dealer fixed in a couple of days and all is good.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Glad they fixed right away! Sail switch?

[@ashtaris2965]

One thing people need to watch out for is that some dealers will not show you the ACTUAL dealer invoice. Our first dealer showed us an Excel spreadsheet mockup that looked real, but wasn't. We only found out about this because we walked out as we were not getting the deal we wanted, and the sales manager was a jerk. The next dealer we went to was reputable and showed us the actual dealer invoice which showed a $7700 instant rebate. Guess what, the mockup invoice from the first dealer didn't show this at all and they would have pocketed that rebate. So be sure, when you look at dealer invoices, make sure you are looking at the real deal.

[@Biker758210]

Everything you mentioned is true. people who are looking to buy an RV do your home work and first check the seller or dealership. then look online at the types of RV's that are available. I test drove Class C, Class A gas and Diesel, pull camper, pop up camper, van campers and 5th wheels and toy haulers many were the same design and some looked like crap. but I did realize that for the price of a Class A Gas or Diesel I could buy a 5th wheel and truck to pull it much cheaper. The 2017 Class A Diesel I wanted was 130K and my 2018 truck and 2020 5th wheel together put in at 84K.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much for sharing this! Yes, we can't agree more about taking the time to look at the market as well. It's amazing doing price comparisons where you can find some loopholes and save a lot of money. We appreciate your support and thank you for watching our videos! - Kyle and Renee

[@FulltimeRVing365]

Thanks for this video! My wife and I purchased our fifth wheel in December 2023. This was the last 2023 model on the dealers lot. They gave us an amazing deal.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

LOVE THIS!! It's so good to hear that you were able to land a great deal 🙂 We wish you the best in your upcoming 2024 year! Thank you for your support - Kyle and Renee

[@EvaGusumano]

We bought a built 21’ 341rds from a dealer. Bought it March of 23’. The rig had been sitting on the lot for over a year. The floor plan fit us almost perfectly. So we bought it. We saved over $30,000. Because they wanted it off the lot. First time 5th wheel. We have had little problems. You tube is great! Helps to have a handy husband also.

[@jocelynb8935]

Perfect timing as I’m buying within 30-45 days. Don’t feel bad about sharing this info, RV and car dealerships/sales person have been scamming us honest customers since the dawn of time. Our only weapon is knowledge how to ID and combat they’re shady practices.

[@GravityButterfly]

*their

[@jocelynb8935]

Mahalo Karen/Ken, I mean @meme13100.

[@GravityButterfly]

@@jocelynb8935 just telling someone the right spelling without any malice or bad intentions doesn't make a person a karen/Ken you're being extreme.

[@jocelynb8935]

@meme13100 Do u actually go and correct each and every post you see, since you have taken it upon yourself to be the grammar police? Maybe my stupid autocorrect feature did it. The whole point is you know what the heck I meant. Don’t be a Karen or a Ken and if u/you are gonna act like it you will be called out. I’m not writing a fricken dissertation so get over it or just don’t read comments as many people misspell or use acronyms.

[@GravityButterfly]

@jocelynb8935 you need to chill. All I did was say the right spelling. Going on a tangent like some drunkard during a football game isn't a good look, just so you know. And no one's asking you to write an essay you're doing that yourself by getting worked up.

[@k_enn]

A great RV dealer will have a place for you park and stay for 5-7 days, and a good salesman will encourage you to do so. It gives you a chance to get to know the RV and find any problems it may have. I did that, and as of my 4th day I still found a few issues -- but they were there to fix it while I was still at the dealership.

[@diverm2371]

100 % Correct. If buying a rv, follow this video period.

[@AlexUrzua]

I'm an RVer and enjoy watching shows from people like you guys. I have to say though: you guys rock! Subscribed and liked the video. Now, looking forward to seeing more!! Well done, keep the great work.

[@whitedkristie]

We bought our fifth wheel camper in September, but we were fortunate the guy we bought it from, it was his dads, his dad passed away from Covid, it was too small for him and his wife and kids, perfect for the hubs and I. The previous owner took 100 percent excellent care of the 27 ft fifth wheel, and he showed his son everything about, who in turn showed my husband and I everything. We are currently living in it, we got a job as park attendants, loving life in this Crossroads Cruiser. But that is an excellent tip about buying in the fall cause we parked it outside our apartment and checked it out from top to bottom all winter, then had it ready the next season.

[@DoingTheDew]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are drawing closer to purchasing our RV. Telling the truth is always the best! You guys rock. Hoping to see y'all again at the Tampa RV SuperShow this year.

[@kencathy-campfirejourneys]

Great tips.. We've been looking for the elusive "Perfect" couple's RV for several years!! During our search we have changed our minds so many times, from TT, 5th, Super C, and now back to a sub 30' TT. There are so many cool new floor plans that have come out in the past couple of years!! My advice is: Take It Slow...... also.. plan on having to take your "new" RV back to the dealer you bought if from, or you may not get the best or fastest repair service, and check/read the dealers google reviews to get an idea of what to expect! So if you buy your RV three states over, that can be a long drive or tow!! 🙄

[@kentwicker6818]

My last sales person was selling RVs for about 6 months and came from selling furniture 😂. That was my second RV so it didn't matter because I do my own research and just rely on the sales person to open the RVs and process the sale. To add to your tips for first time RV buyers: If you think purchasing local will get you priority service and repairs when the time come, think again! Almost all RV shops ate full, waiting on parts, short staffed, etc. New RV does not mean quality, most all RVs have issues when brand new. They are miniature houses on wheels going down bumpy roads 😁. Just like cars, the finance manager will try to sell extended warranties, $5000 RV wax job, etc. when finalizing the sale so be prepared .

[@stevesteffen7001]

Thanks for the info, I have watching your vids for awhile and this is the most important and informative ones you have done.

[@jazzyscar]

Thank you so much for all the info you guys give! I'm in the process of looking for an Rv to full time live in. I have given myself a 1-2 year period to sell my house, declutter, declutter and declutter.....finish school while I'm working, but am so excited to flatter this life. I appreciate all the tips you give!!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

This is so wonderful to hear 😊 Way to go!! You will have so many fun adventures to look forward to with full-time RV living. Keep us posted on how things progress for you. Thank you for your amazing support and time for watching our videos! - Kyle and Renee

[@micheleulrich-hb2ok]

Oh, I totally agree about dealerships, they are shady at best. In 2020, we bought a 2015 trailer, which we love, at a dealership. We were told they put new tires on it...well, they were new, they still had the mold nubs on them. We had a 2 hour drive back home. The next weekend we took it out and had a flat a half hour into the trip, Thank goodness, not a blowout, and come to find out those "new" tires had a 2013 mfg date! Who would think to check the mfg date before you leave the lot? When I called them while sitting on the side of the road waiting for AAA, (at that time, we weren't aware of the mfg date) they said they weren't responsible and we had to call the manufacturer, who told us to get a new one and have the tire shop assess the tire. After which the mfg told us they wouldn't cover it because it was so old. Can you believe that garbage? I tell everyone I can don't go to that dealership.

[@GasStop]

Great post, as always! You really are there for RVers with your informative videos. Thanks guys!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Aww thank you so much! This means a lot to us ❤️

[@GasStop]

Love you guy’s! Keep up the great work you do for this beautiful Industry! Team GasStop is a true ambassador of yours.

[@garyharms8466]

Our fifth wheel had the same problem with the propane line getting kinked when the slide was in. When we took it back for repairs the service manager told the tech that they had another kinked propane line. Since it appeared to be a common problem with our model trailer you would think they might want to check them all before the sale...

[@LaloCruzOficial]

Being in the industry as sales dept; RVs are for those who can really afford it for what it is, to enjoy some time off; full time you really got to do Your research to avoid running to a “sales” and sales help only 🤩 Also, check states where the demand is much higher on certain seasons to find a good deal.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much for the insights! We appreciate you sharing your expertise and tips. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@OVCArchion]

Started a deal on a new TT last month at the Harrisburg show, ended up it was gonna be almost $10k in extra fees and such. Drove to Indiana and picked up the same exact trailer for out the door less than the “show price” of the local dealer.

[@GlampReview]

Well put! I have learned a-lot from watching you guys! Really enjoy your content. We travel / camp with two cats and we love Dexter! You guys are spot on here! We learned that RV show deals are gimmicks. We found the same deal all year long. RV Shows are good to browse without sales pressure so you can get ideas of floor plans etc. We bought our first RV in the late fall and got a better deal than any RV show had. We tested our RV at home and found the black tank and one of the grey tanks leaked. We learned that dealers are slow to do repairs. Turned out clamps on the tanks were not tightened from the factory. Luckily I am handy so all the other little things that happened in the first year I just repaired my self rather than getting warranty work done. Keep up the good work My wife and I have been fans for a long time!

[@jtoepke9763]

Thank you for a great “new Rv buyer” video. I found my camper on a dealer website & several phone conversations & emails later we agreed on a price. One thing that got my attention early is the dealer ask for my tow vehicle information. They did their own research for the towing capabilities of my truck to confirm it was capable of the travel trailer I wanted. Do your research ask question and look through the glitter glam and sales pitch. Remember it’s your money

[@highwaypilot]

I have to say I like watching your videos. My wife and I purchased our first RV in 2023. It is a dual rubber torsion axle 2014 Forest River Flagstaff MicroLite 21 DS. Fiberglass model. What we like about that is that it is not wood framed, it is a full six-sided aluminum frame, with aluminum framing around the dining area as well as the entire bed area. Looking at some of the newer RVs in 2023 we did see a lot of things that we recognized after watching your video as being bad. So it makes us feel a lot better that we purchased a 9-year-old unit from the original owner for $10,000 rather than spending $28,000 on a newer stick built model. After a lot of research and consideration we found that Forest River and Rockwood are one of the better RV builders. In fact, this thing tows beautifully with a half ton Silverado with a dry weight of 3,900 lb. I would highly recommend if anyone wanted to buy a used RV, get something between 2013 and 2019 and make sure it is aluminum framed. We learn how to winterize it, load it, and maintain it. We think it was a good investment and it will lead to many more years of enjoyment.

[@johnaz1018]

Great INFO. While dealers may hate you, more people will love you. Dealers need to be held responsible and so do manufacturers!! You’re spending lots of money and yet it’s all buyer beware . Thank you for this video .

[@21psd]

Great advice, and it applies to ANY major purchases.

[@EarlBalentine]

Great video, you guys were spot on. The dealer will tell you anything to get you out the door. I always do my RV shopping on RVtrader to find the best price nation-wide. After negotiating with the dealers, the one dealer 1500 miles away is $2k cheaper than the dealer thats 300 miles aways. I will weigh the cost of traveling 1500 miles one way because I will be camping on the way home. After comparing RV cost and travel expenses I will make my selection on the best price. I will work with dealer on my arrival date, tell them I expect everything to be working before I get there. Going a step further would be to have a RV certified inspector there to check out the RV. I can't tell you how many people buy and their 1st camping trip their fridge, A/C or furnace didn't work. Make sure you tell the dealer when your done with your walk thru with their tech that you still need another hours to check everything out. Syill not signing the contract until every major thing is working. There always will be some cosmetic item that needs attention but you can have that taken care of when you get home and add it to your next trip to your rv service dealer. Remember the dealer will scramble to get things taken care of on the spot that day. If they say they have to order parts then you might consider going somewhere els. I know its difficult because the dealer will say everything perfect and you get there 1500 miles from home and now you find things that can kill the deal. Make sure you have a 2nd chose nearby if possible. Never buy any add-ons, extended warranties. In the finance dept just speak up and say you don't want any adds ons. You can always get these thing cheaper and later at a 3rd party business cheaper. If you are getting at lease a 30% discount off of the MSRP then you are paying too much. The dealers pricing starts at the top and your pricing should start at the bottom and meet somewhere in the middle, but don't buy unless your getting at lease a 25% discount. I've seen some last year models go for 40% off the MSRP. Good hunting.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

I really like the fact that you mentioned not signing any paperwork until the major appliances are working. It's always nice to have those bases covered before actually getting locked into the contract and driving off the RV lot! Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful comment to share your experiences with everyone here. We appreciate you and your time in watching our videos! 😊 - Kyle and Renee

[@fit4ya1975]

99% of the RV manufactures are complete garbage. Overpriced, under built and barely any warranty. If they were truly as good as they say, there would be a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty on them.

[@EarlBalentine]

@@fit4ya1975 My new stick built house only came with a one year warranty. A 2 year warranty would be great for any rv.

[@fit4ya1975]

@@EarlBalentine Valid point

[@mikegardiner335]

You guys did a good job of nailing the caution points. Some potential RV’er needs to see this.

[@mikequinn8780]

Got a heck of a deal purchasing 3 days before New Years. They really wanted that rig off their lot. I called the nearest dealer to me that had the model I wanted and told them what the best price was in the country on RV trader. They were happy to match it if I was willing to close before the end of December.

[@oneeverest7332]

We owned a used 5th wheel for over a decade. Brought it when our first kid was was 7 months old, now we have three. Learned a lot of what we need and don’t need. So when purchasing we checked out a bunch of RV shows. Moving from brand to brand then selecting the final model. We then searched online and took a flight to purchase our 2022 Entegra esteem c class in another state. On the other hand, my parents took the YT RVers recommendations and went overboard. They purchased a diesel one ton truck, then a toy hauler. Unfortunately there’s problems with the truck emissions system resulting in reduced power. The trailer was hard to back in as axles are moved farther back. One ton truck was overkill. Now they are looking for a new RV. So I’m guiding them more this time. I’m still looking for another one since we purchased a campsite and allowed two RVs on the site. Still waiting since RV prices are still too high.

[@PamW2009]

You two sound just like me and my husband. We are always telling friends who might think about purchasing to please ask us to come look with them. We know exactly what to look for, what works, what doesn't, what you really need and what you don't. We've purchased 6 different used campers that were excellent. We bought a brand new one almost 2 years ago and this rig has had some issues but thankfully we know how to fix a lot on our own just like you. Thank you for another fine issue Kyle and Rene. Hugs n kisses to you and Dex.

[@Mattman2500]

Something worth the mention. Negotiate the hitch in the deal !!!!!!!!

[@MotoDave427]

I love your videos! I've watched every single one of them, you're the best. Dealer - “Oh you won't need an inspection we do a great job of making sure your rig is g2g ready for you.” Don’t believe them get an inspector. A good inspector will document all the mod/serial numbers for the items in your rig and even show you how some things work. When I bought mine the microwave and the dryer did not work. Believe it or not they called a mobile tech to fix those items. I asked how long will that take? No answer, crickets. I told him I wasn't signing until it was fixed, take them out of another rig. Oh our policy says we can't take anything out of another unit. Wouldn't you know, it was fixed in a couple days. When you talked about the sales person not knowing enough about what they are selling I found that very true when buying cars, I knew more than the sales person. I am sure an RV sales it's the same thing. Do your homework.

[@carlstrohmeyer]

We emjoyed your weekly video as usual. I thought I would add more as to the 1/2 ton truck comment. I've been RVing now for a few decades and have owned 1/2, 3/4, & 1 ton trucks. Often people will just go by these classifications and miss more critical information. For one, my current truck (which has been the most reliable by far) is a 1/2 ton. It has a higher rear axel rating than the older 3/4 ton my son owns. RV owners need to consider this, and this should be a never exceed numbet too that airbags cannot fix. Next, which is also often missed, is weight and balance, especially with the trailer. As a decades long pilot as well, I cannot stress too much how important this is, even with a 1 ton truck. We do not travel at highway speeds with our trailer "butt" (aft) heavy. A full blackwater tank along with a nearly empty freshwater tank can easily produce an aft out of balance issue with many trailers (based on common locations if these tanks).

[@taniarodriguez1105]

Amazing Video! Amazing biceps Carllllll! Someone is working out.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Well thank you very much, Tania!! 😃 That made my day! - Carl

[@johnnylightning1491]

Good advice guys, especially the part about Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace etc. I recently had a guy trying to charge folks $100 to look at one of my apartments. Do not ever send money to anyone on any online forum unless it is a business you have verified via other channels such as a state web site etc. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@AngelFire48]

Truth! We bought one and it sat for weeks when the solar wasn't working. My husband called Winnebago and got more answers than the dealership. He actually fixed it himself.

[@davespargo5944]

Howdy...Just stumbled across your channel earlier today and have been scrolling thru some of your videos. Not exactly new to the game, but have learned a lesson or 2. First TT me and the Mrs picked up was a 34 foot toy hauler from Forest River. Not once in 4 years did I ever pull it. It was moved twice for me by transport companies, once when we bought it (from Chicago when new to Kansas) and a second time from Kansas to our Northern Minnesota cabin on 5 acres. Guaranteed my F-150 was not gonna do the job. It did come in handy for 4 years and being "The Cabin", but I just was not in the position to get the proper rig to tow it. It was a great learning curve on the overall aspect of the fridge, slide outs, heating and AC, water pumps and plumbing. We sold it in 2018 when we moved to the mountains of Colorado, but we did get some great insights as to what we really needed. Now, fast forward to today. We are about to buy a 2015 Hideout from Keystone, 21 foot, single axel. I am getting it from a guy I work with, and have also had the opportunity to have rented it these last 3 years. In that time, we have found that there is no leakage, all components inside work just fine (fridge, heat, AC, electrical, water heater and plumbing, etc). We also found out that the layout inside was very much to our liking and needs. Perfect for me and the Mrs, and most importantly the dog. Towing with my F-150 is a breeze in these mtns at 9 to 11,000 feet. It feels good, very maneuverable with that single axel. You have a new subscriber with me. Love your content.....

[@chadlumpkin2375]

We bought used at a reputable consignment center (PPL Motor Homes) . Zero pressure sales. But we did purchase in October. RV was 2 years old and $10K off MSRP. We did spend an extra $500 for their guaranteed pre-sale inspection. Despite that the fridge did NOT work on our first outing! Fortunately I'm handy and when looking in the service bay, I realized the 120V plug to the unit wasn't even plugged in!

[@davidmccartney7577]

We were just looking at the new Alliance 5th wheels General a few weeks ago and yep, new salesman that’s only be there two weeks. Since we did in depth research on Alliance we showed him the product!! He uses to be a car salesman up until 1 month ago! You get a better deal if you finance instead of paying cash because they get spiffs $$ for getting you to finance. You three are the Greatest🥰

[@tonyrosario6512]

Hi guys, thank you for all tips about rvs. I have a class c and one on the back tires blew up while driving destroying the black water tank (thanks God it was empty), and other parts around it. I took it to Camping World in Dover, FL to get it fix on March 9, 2023 and because of "supply and demand issues" it was done on or about October 2023, almost 10 months in the body shop, waiting for parts. In the meantime a salesman approached us to sell us a newer model. It think it was a trick to make us buying a newer model. Our class c has around 30000 miles. I don't trust salesman and specially the sales manager. I had to repair part of the floor due to water damage from a leaky water pump. I noticed that the floor is made out of particle board material, the cheapest material you can find. To all of your subscribers I recommend to listen to you when buying an rv. Where were you guys when I purchased mine in 2016? Just kidding, THANK YOU for giving very wise advise. I hope we can meet you guys one day. You have something in common with my wife, she is also a nurse. Thank you for your service as nurses and also keep giving us with rvs good advise. We love the work you guys do for all of us.

[@travelingrvrv4608]

I have Never had a New RV. I have had people who know go with me the first time. Now that I have spent 2-3 months in one I can tell you that Experience thing. I have had plumbing problems, engine problems, window problems mean that I am Experienced, which means that I have had all the problems. So Now I know what I really like which is the Fiberglass ones. This is why I have had a Casita 16' and now I have a Scamp 5th Wheel. This thing is really nice. It can sleep 6 people, its 19' and everything fits really nice. But I love your channel and your content. Keep it up!!! 😃😃

[@Jeffbob442]

I worked in the shop at many dealerships and watched the PDI's go down to about nothing. I have been rv'ing for years, always with old stuff. When we retired we got a new one...now on our 3rd new one and I am speachless on the stuff that Dealers do not check, so it's no different than car Dealers these day's! Disapointing! So yes! Get an inspection!!!

[@lyfandeth]

Funny how big the depreciation is. Unless you're looking to buy a used one, and all of a sudden the depreciation was only 10% ? They burn both ends of the candle.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Fantastic information! As a first responder, I really liked the information about scams, what to look for, and how to avoid them. It's unfortunate, but I contact numerous people a year who fall victim to scams like that.

[@dodyhopper4394]

We bought our 2020 Grand Design in 2019 and retired in the middle of covid in Quartzsite Az. My wife and I started following you and love your honesty. We soon found out that our retire dreams of traveling had to be put on hold so we follow your travels and enjoy seeing places through your travels. We found a co-op in Quartzsite Az. this is our soft place to land now. Keep up the video we will continue to watch and follow. The old couple Cat and Dod In the Q.

[@CharlotteCaniac]

I’ve always heard to always buy a used rv, having been independently inspected. That way, all the kinks have been worked out by then.

[@KZ9SEL_Scott]

I live in TN, and bought my trailer in PA, even including fuel I saved about 3k over a dealer 30 miles away from me.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Now that's a WIN! Love to hear that you saved some good money 🙂 Thank you for watching, happy camping! - Kyle and Renee

[@jshoemaker4357]

When we purchased a used trailer In Utah, dealership will not be mentioned, I specifically asked to have the tires, brakes and wheel bearings to be inspected. We were told that all is good. On our first night layover, after driving nearly 500 miles when I checked the tire pressures, they were at about 1/2 of where they should have been. The spare was even lower. I was told by the sales manager, “if I was so concerned about the tire pressures, why didn’t I-check them myself before leaving for home?” Good point, but I expected them to do their job during the PDI? So, buyer beware…

[@rickrichardson5329]

That was a very informative video and I appreciate what yall pointed out. I understand that not all dealers are out to get you but we have to remember that this is a job and the bottom line is making money. Yall stay safe and looking forward to the next one.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching, Rick! 🙂

[@testersbc1]

They definitely don't understand payload.

[@HowardStanton-c6t]

Great video. I would suggest adding that the focus with the dealership be on "out the door" price. I have experienced significant add on costs for PDI and other dealer fees that seriously inflate the real cost. Once you get that far, be prepared to be offered other optional costs like extended warranty, tire protection, ceramic coating, upholstery protection and other dealer money makers.

[@billfargo7911]

I consider ourselves lucky in our RV purchase, except that we bought it right at the tail end of covid. Therefore we paid a somewhat premium for it. As a retired engineer, I did my own research on what to expect and look for in something on wheels. Give me a thirty million dollar building and I’m off to the races. I came up with my own inspection list. I should back up and tell how we bought it. We found it on a lot and wanted to purchase it then. The dealer asked if we could hold off because they had prepared this for an upcoming RV show. One thing that the Hanks didn’t mention about RV’s in a show is that more than likely they have gone through and made sure the esthetic things are taken care of. Also, maybe install a few of the upgrades like solar. We knew what we intended to pay, but went to the show, bought it there for a very slightly lower price. Like I said, we were lucky. Back to the prepurchase inspection. When they hauled it back to the dealership I sent them my list which was 4-5 pages long. I told them in addition to use doing a familiarization walk through, I expected the list back with every item signed off by a service technician. I would then initial it for their records if they wished. We wouldn’t schedule this walk through until they were done. Thankfully the dealer we chose is a good one. After having it back into their service department twice in the last two years for minor issues, I can say I will still recommend them. Dodged a bullet……